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Dr. Martin R. Aidelbaum Inc. |
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What are TMJ Disorders? TMJ disorders can be relatively minor, or they can be extremely painful and potentially debilitating. Emotional stress, with attendant habits such as grinding or clenching the teeth, can trigger TMJ symptoms as well as muscle spasms around the joint and jaws. Malpositioned jaws also may produce TMJ problems and, in some cases, arthritis may be the cause of TMJ disorders. Injury, such as a blow to the chin or jaw, can displace the condyle or disc, thus causing problems. In some cases of TMJ disorder, the disc is displaced, which interferes with its ability to properly interface between the "ball" and "socket." |
The sensitive layer of tissue behind the disc becomes the cushion, and the result is tenderness and pain in the joint. In some cases the disc may move so far forward that the mouth cannot be widely opened. This condition can cause degenerative joint disease, a form of arthritis involving the bones of the joint.
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In some cases of TMJ disorder, the disc is displaced, which removes the cushioning effect between the "ball" and "socket" and can result in tenderness and pain in the joint. |
TMJ sufferers can display a variety of symptoms, and certain signs may indicate the potential for TMJ disorders to develop. Following are signs and symptoms that are possible in patients with TMJ problems:
 | painful clicks or pops in the joint when opening or closing the mouth |
| a habit of tooth grinding or clenching |
| sore jaw muscles when awakening |
| difficulty in opening the mouth fully |
| frequent headaches or neckaches |
| pain in TMJ area |
| locking of the jaw |
Presence of some of these signs and symptoms could also indicate a specific type of disorder known as myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome or MPD. This disorder is accompanied by muscle pain and tenderness, limitation in range of jaw motion, and local pain usually limited to one side of the face. Your oral and maxillofacial surgeon can diagnose this disorder when evaluating your need for TMJ treatment.
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Like other joint ins the body, a form of degenerative joint disease, or arthritis can, develop in the TMJ. This can lead to pain, tenderness and limited jaw movement. |